🌤 Weather at Cedarville State Forest by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 33–74 °F | 61–85 °F | 36–77 °F | 25–48 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Mechanicsville 5 NE, 11 mi away, elevation 100 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🌿 Carnivorous Plants, Charcoal Kilns, and 19 Miles of Trails — DC’s Closest State Forest — A 3,700-acre state forest with 19+ miles of multi-use trails, rare bog habitat with carnivorous sundews and pitcher plants, historic CCC charcoal kilns, camping, and fishing pond — Charles County, Maryland
Cedarville State Forest is a 3,700-acre woodland tucked into the headwaters of the Zekiah Swamp — one of the largest freshwater swamps on the East Coast. Just 30 minutes from the DC Beltway, this forest delivers 19+ miles of multi-use trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding through pine plantations, hardwood forests, and a rare bog habitat where carnivorous plants thrive.
The forest’s history runs deep — the Piscataway Tribe used this area as winter hunting grounds, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built its roads and trails in the 1930s with 160 workers from Baltimore and DC, and charcoal kilns from the 1950s still stand as industrial relics. Over 50 tree species make this one of Maryland’s most botanically diverse forests.
What to Do
| Activity | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hiking | 19+ miles of trails | Flat to gently rolling terrain |
| Mountain Biking | Multi-use trails | Shared with hikers/equestrians |
| Horseback Riding | Equestrian trails + camping | Bring your own horse |
| Camping | 27 family sites | Some electric hookups, youth/equestrian areas |
| Fishing | 4-acre stocked pond | Bluegill, bass, catfish, sunfish |
| Bog Trail | Boardwalk through rare bog | Sundews + pitcher plants (carnivorous!) |
| Archery | Public archery range | Free access |
| History | CCC-era + charcoal kilns | 1930s–1950s relics |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Weather | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Apr–May) | 52–72°F | Wildflowers, bog plants, birding |
| Fall (Oct–Nov) | 45–68°F | Foliage, mountain biking, camping |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 75–90°F | Fishing, full trail access, shaded |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | 28–48°F | Quiet trails, winter birding |
💰 Trip Cost Estimator
| Expense | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Day Use | FREE (weekdays) | Small fee weekends Apr–Oct |
| Campsite | $15–$25/night | 27 sites, some electric |
| Day Trip | FREE–$5 | 19mi trails + bog + charcoal kilns |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there really carnivorous plants?
Yes. The forest’s bog areas harbor roundleaf sundews and northern pitcher plants — rare carnivorous species. Stay on the boardwalk to protect these sensitive habitats.
What are the charcoal kilns?
In the 1950s, the forest operated three charcoal kilns to produce heating fuel for Maryland state parks. One historic kiln still stands near the Blue and White trailhead.
Is hunting allowed?
Yes — in designated areas during specific seasons. Wear bright orange during hunting season and check Maryland DNR regulations before visiting.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Merkle Natural Resources Management Area and Visitor Center is a short drive away, and Rosaryville State Park is a short drive away.
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Maryland state parks online at parkreservations.maryland.gov.
🌿 Carnivorous Bogs Near DC
19 miles of trails, carnivorous plants, CCC history, and camping — 3,700 acres of forest just 30 minutes from DC.
Wildlife & Nature
Cedarville SF — 3,697 acres of mixed hardwood-pine forest in southern Maryland. The forest’s swamps, creeks, and upland forest support white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and red-shouldered hawks. The Cedarville Bog contains rare carnivorous plants (sundews and pitcher plants).
Nearby Attractions
Brandywine — adjacent. Prince George’s County — surrounding. Washington, DC — 30 miles north.
⛺ Camping at Cedarville State Forest: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | Hickory Loop: inner sites electric, outer sites primitive, pet-friendly, bathhouse at the loop center. Ironwood Loop: primitive sites, not pet-friendly; a horse is required to stay on sites 38-41. Pine Grove Loop and White Oak Loop: youth group camping, up to 30 campers per site, 3 fire rings, 5 picnic tables, and parking for 6 vehicles per site. The online reservation system lists 42 total sites (26 Hickory, 8 Ironwood, plus youth group and shelter areas). |
|---|---|
| Pets | Hickory Loop is pet-friendly; Ironwood Loop is not pet-friendly. |
| Reservations | Call 1-888-432-2267 (9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays) or book online 24/7 at parkreservations.maryland.gov. |
| Special sites | Two-night minimum stay on Memorial Day-Labor Day weekends, three-night minimum on holiday weekends. Volunteer Camp Hosts live on-site to assist campers. |
| Season notes | Campground open April to October. |
Camping questions about Cedarville State Forest
Can you camp at Cedarville State Forest?
Hickory Loop: inner sites electric, outer sites primitive, pet-friendly, bathhouse at the loop center. Ironwood Loop: primitive sites, not pet-friendly; a horse is required to stay on sites 38-41. Pine Grove Loop and White Oak Loop: youth group camping, up to 30 campers per site, 3 fire rings, 5 picnic tables, and parking for 6 vehicles per site. The online reservation system lists 42 total sites (26 Hickory, 8 Ironwood, plus youth group and shelter areas).
How do you reserve a campsite at Cedarville State Forest?
Call 1-888-432-2267 (9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays) or book online 24/7 at parkreservations.maryland.gov.
Are pets allowed at the Cedarville State Forest campground?
Hickory Loop is pet-friendly; Ironwood Loop is not pet-friendly.
Source: dnr.maryland.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Cedarville State Forest
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Maryland state parks welcome leashed pets, but where they may go is set park by park under the Maryland Park Service Pet Policy — check each park's designated pet areas.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- 6 ft maximum in designated pet areas and 10 ft in undeveloped areas; off-leash under voice control only while swimming in designated areas
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- At most parks pets are barred from sandy swim beaches from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day; many parks allow shoreline swimming outside the swim beach
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Most cabins are pet-free, but select parks designate pet-friendly cabins (e.g. Herrington Manor cabins 1-10, New Germany cabins 3-7)
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets not allowed in park buildings or playgrounds; pets must be licensed and vaccinated
Are dogs allowed at Cedarville State Forest?
Maryland state parks welcome leashed pets, but where they may go is set park by park under the Maryland Park Service Pet Policy — check each park's designated pet areas. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via dnr.maryland.gov. More: Maryland state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Cedarville State Forest
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
